Thunder have sights on cup final

Thunder coach Daniel Hildreth admits it is a big weekend, with a home league game against Hemel Storm on Saturday, and said: “One game at a time is our approach but it is a big weekend for us as a club and we are all looking forward to it.

“Obviously, it is a great achievement this early in the season to make a semi-final but all the hard work is wasted if you don’t get to the final.

“No one remembers a semi-finalist, we need to prepare this week to produce a much-better performance than a few weeks ago at Reading (in the league).

“We have the know-how, the talent and the character to beat anyone in the league and to make a final would be great for everyone at the club.

“Last season, we fell short with an over-time loss to Manchester on the buzzer (in the National Trophy).

“This year, we want to go one stage further and enjoy the experience of a final. It is certainly within our capabilities but we have to take care of business on Saturday against Hemel first.”